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Some lines of current affairs 21 February 2024 news
National
Inauguration of First Nuclear Plant in North India in Haryana
The inaugural nuclear power facility in North India is slated for construction in Gorakhpur, Haryana, as announced by Union Minister Jitendra Singh. This initiative marks a significant stride under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration, expanding nuclear and atomic energy infrastructure nationwide. Previously concentrated in southern states like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and western Maharashtra, such installations are now poised for distribution across the country.
International
India and Egypt convened their third ‘Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism’ gathering in New Delhi.
India collaborates with multiple countries and organizations to tackle global terrorism on different fronts. Egypt stands out as one of these partners, with whom India consistently coordinates efforts to combat terrorism. Recently, on February 16, 2023, the third meeting of the India-Egypt Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism took place in New Delhi.
States
The Khajuraho Dance Festival takes place in Madhya Pradesh
The 49th Khajuraho Dance Festival, spanning seven days, kicks off with Bharatnatyam and Kathak performances at the UNESCO heritage temple. Organized annually by the Ustad Allauddin Khan Sangeet Evam Kala Akademi, in collaboration with the directorate of culture, the tourism department, and the Archaeological Survey of India, this event showcases diverse dance forms. Janki Rangarajan will grace the stage with Bharatanatyam, while Dhirendra Tiwari and Aprajita Sharma will present Kathak-Bharatnatyam, and Prachi Shah will enchant with Kathak.
2023 Celebrations and History of Arunachal Pradesh Statehood Day
Arunachal Pradesh celebrates Statehood Day on February 20th, marking the day it became a state in 1987. Situated in Northeastern India, Arunachal Pradesh was previously referred to as the general name for the entire region before attaining statehood. Known for its mountainous terrain near the Himalayas, the state shares borders with China, Myanmar, and Bhutan, playing a significant role in the Northeastern region of India.
Appointments
Rajesh Rai appointed as ITI Limited’s CMD
Rajesh Rai is now the Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) of Indian Telephone Industries Limited (ITI Ltd), a PSU managed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). His appointment has been approved by the Central Government and the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) for a term of five years from the date he assumes charge, until his superannuation, or until further notice, whichever comes first. Currently, he holds the position of General Manager at Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL).
Key Points for Competitive Exams:
- ITI Limited Headquarters: Bengaluru
- ITI Limited Founded: October 12, 1948
BVR Subrahmanyam, a former IAS officer, has been named as the new CEO of NITI Aayog
Former IAS officer BVR Subrahmanyam has been named as the new Chief Executive Officer of Niti Aayog, succeeding Parameswaran Iyer, who is transitioning to the role of Executive Director at the World Bank. Subrahmanyam’s appointment was announced by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet and is for a two-year term. Notable facts about Niti Aayog include its Vice Chairman, Suman Bery, its formation date of January 1, 2015, and its headquarters in New Delhi.
Agreements
Cabinet Approves Mutual Recognition Agreements Between ICAI and ICA England & Wales
The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given approval for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales (ICAEW). This MoU aims to recognize each other’s qualifications and training, allowing members in good standing to be admitted by establishing a bridging mechanism based on current terms and conditions.
The Ministry of Rural Development has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Meesho
The Ministry of Rural Development has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Meesho, an e-commerce platform owned by Bengaluru-based Fashnear Technologies Private Limited. Under this agreement, Meesho will assist in marketing products produced by Self-Help Groups (SHGs) as part of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission. Rural Development Minister Giriraj Singh highlighted that since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office, the number of SHG members has grown significantly from 2.35 crore to over 9 crores, with a targeted focus on empowering rural women. It is expected to reach 10 crores by 2024.
Banking
Bank of Maharashtra Leads Among Public Sector Lenders in Loan Expansion and Asset Quality
Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) leads state-owned banks in loan growth for Q3 2022-23, according to analysis of PSB financial results. The Pune-based bank saw a significant 21.67% rise in gross advances compared to the previous year.
Labour Ministry extends ESIC unemployment benefits for 2 more years.
The 190th Meeting of the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) took place in Chandigarh with Shri Bhupender Yadav, Union Minister for Labor & Employment and Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, presiding over it. Shri Rameswar Teli, Minister of State for Labor & Employment, Petroleum & Natural Gas, also attended. During this meeting, Shri Yadav unveiled several initiatives aimed at enhancing social security for workers (Shram Jeevis) and advancing the objectives of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Notably, the benefits of the Atal BeemitVyaktikalyan Yojana have been extended for an additional two years.
Defence
A Bell Honoring Late CDS Bipin Rawat Installed at Nepal’s Shree Muktinath Temple
A bell named “Bipin Bell” has been installed at Nepal’s respected Shree Muktinath Temple in memory of India’s late Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat. This bell was placed during the visit of four former Indian army chiefs: Gen VN Sharma, Gen JJ Singh, Gen Deepak Kapoor, and Gen Dalbir Suhag, in the Mustang district.’
Science and Technology
Serum Institute Establishing Center for Infectious Diseases & Pandemic Preparedness in Hyderabad
The Serum Institute of India plans to establish the Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Infectious Diseases and Pandemic Preparedness at the Indian Institute of Public Health, Hyderabad. This initiative aims to offer the community a centralized hub for information, resources, and assistance during public health crises. The CoE will be manned by skilled healthcare professionals and furnished with cutting-edge technology and facilities.
Vedanta and Foxconn Joint Venture Select Dholera SIR for India’s First Semiconductor Facility
Vedanta, led by Anil Agarwal, and Foxconn, a manufacturing giant, revealed their collaboration to construct a semiconductor and display manufacturing plant in Gujarat’s Dholera Special Investment Zone. Last September, the Gujarat government and the Vedanta-Foxconn partnership signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), agreeing on an investment of 1,54,000 crore for the facility.
Chandrayaan-3, India’s lunar mission, achieves another milestone
India’s Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission has cleared the EMI-EMC (Electro-Magnetic Interference/ Electro-Magnetic Compatibility) test, a crucial step for satellite missions. This test ensures that the satellite subsystems function properly in space and can withstand expected electromagnetic levels. It took place from January 31 to February 2 at the U R Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru.
In 2023, the APJ Abdul Kalam Satellite Launch Vehicle Mission took off from Tamil Nadu
The Martin Foundation, along with the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam International Foundation and Space Zone India, initiated the APJ Abdul Kalam Satellite Launch Vehicle Mission-2023 in Tamil Nadu’s Pattipolam village, Chengalpattu district. Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan attended the launch event.
Schemes
The government establishes a panel led by the Cabinet Secretary to oversee Mission Karmayogi
Rajiv Gauba, the Cabinet Secretary, will lead a key panel overseeing the implementation of the government’s Mission Karmayogi program, aimed at training government employees. The panel, which includes a senior official from the Prime Minister’s Office and seven secretaries, among others, will ensure effective execution of the program. As part of this effort, the government has approved the establishment of a Cabinet Secretariat Coordination Unit (CSCU) under the National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB). This decision was conveyed through an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).
Awards
Winners List: Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards 2023
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is India’s most prestigious honor in cinema. The winners for 2023 were announced by the Directorate of Film Festivals. The ceremony for the 2023 Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival will take place in Mumbai. Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor were awarded Best Actor and Best Actress respectively at the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards.
Full List of Winners at the 76th BAFTA Awards 2023
The 76th British Academy Film Awards, known as the BAFTAs, took place at the Royal Festival Hall in London, England. Hosted by actor Richard E Grant, the event celebrated outstanding achievements in cinema. Among the highlights was the German anti-war film “All Quiet on the Western Front,” which claimed seven awards, including Best Film and Best Director. Notable nominees included Shaunak Sen’s Indian documentary “All That Breathes,” while the Best Documentary award went to Daniel Roher’s “Navalny.”
Important Days
International Mother Language Day Celebrated on February 21st
Each February 21, people worldwide commemorate International Mother Language Day, promoting linguistic diversity and cultural richness. The goal is to safeguard traditional knowledge and cultures sustainably while advocating for multilingualism in communities. The 2023 theme, “Multilingual education – a necessity to transform education,” echoes discussions from the Transforming Education Summit, highlighting the importance of Indigenous people’s education and languages.
Obituaries
O P Kohli, who served as the governor of Gujarat in the past, has passed away at the age of 87
Om Prakash Kohli, a senior BJP figure and former Gujarat governor, has died at 87. He held the position of Gujarat governor from 2014 to 2019, and during his tenure, he also served as governor of Madhya Pradesh and Goa. Besides his political roles, he was a former Rajya Sabha member, previously headed the BJP in Delhi, and was known for his contributions in academia.
Miscellaneous
Mount Everest’s Highest Weather Station Reconstructed
A severe storm on Mount Everest destroyed the highest altitude weather station, but a new version has been installed by a team of scientists and Sherpas, led by 31-year-old Tenzing Gyalzen Sherpa. They set a new record by placing the weather station at 8,810 meters, only 39 meters below the summit of Everest, as reported by Guinness World Records.
